FAQ: What volume of nuclease-free water should be used for elution when using the Monarch® Spin Columns S3B (NEB #T2067)?

Choice of volume for elution is dependent on RNA size and RNA input amount, and therefore should be tailored to each sample type and eluate concentration requirement. Re-loading the column multiple times (> 5) during sample loading steps can make elution more challenging; additional elutions will ensure successful recovery.

  • A volume of 250–500 µl is recommended for the first elution. It is recommended to use 500 µl nuclease-free water for RNA sizes
    > 5 kb.
  • For RNA sizes < 5 kb at 3 mg RNA input, a second elution with 100–500 μl nuclease-free water is recommended.
  • For RNA sizes ≥ 5 kb at 3 mg RNA input, a second elution with 100–500 μl nuclease-free water is necessary.
  • For RNA sizes ≥ 9 kb at 3 mg RNA input, increasing elution volume to 500 μl and a third elution can maximize recovery.